Apparatus, methods, computer programs suitable for enabling in-shop demonstrations

Abstract

A functionally limited apparatus configured to enable, at a remote apparatus, an augmented reality, the apparatus comprising: a body; and computer visible features configured to control augmented reality output at the remote apparatus.

I/we claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus configured to enable, at a remote apparatus, an augmented reality, the apparatus comprising:
 a body; and   computer visible features configured to control augmented reality output at the remote apparatus.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the body replicates a body of a functional apparatus in size and shape. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , comprising:
 a display portion, wherein at least some of the computer visible features are display features positioned at predetermined locations relative to the display portion.   
     
     
         4 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the display features are configured to position an augmented reality output at the remote apparatus such that it coincides with the display portion. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , comprising:
 user input portions, wherein at least some of the computer visible features are user input features positioned at predetermined locations relative to the the user input portions.   
     
     
         6 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the user input features are configured to enable recognition of augmented reality input at the apparatus. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the computer visible features are configured to automatically trigger simulation, at the remote apparatus, of an augmented reality in which the apparatus has functionality present in a functional apparatus but absent from the apparatus. 
     
     
         8 . A non-transitory computer-readable medium which stores a computer program that is configured to control augmented reality output at a remote apparatus to simulate, at the remote apparatus, an augmented reality,
 wherein the computer program when loaded into a processor enables:   causing analysis of captured images to locate within the captured images an apparatus;   causing modification of the images to augment the apparent functionality of the apparatus in the modified images; and   causing display of the modified images to provide an augmented reality.   
     
     
         9 . A non-transitory computer-readable medium which stores a computer program as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the provided augmented reality simulates a user interface of a functional apparatus. 
     
     
         10 . A non-transitory computer-readable medium which stores a computer program as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the computer program is configured to cause identification of predetermined computer visible features positioned at predetermined locations relative to the apparatus. 
     
     
         11 . A non-transitory computer-readable medium which stores a computer program as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the computer program is configured to cause modification of the captured images to simulate a display output of a functional apparatus that coincides with a display portion of the apparatus in the modified images. 
     
     
         12 . A non-transitory computer-readable medium which stores a computer program as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the computer program is configured to cause recognition of augmented reality user input at the apparatus and to cause provision of an augmented reality in which the apparatus provides a response to the user input that is the same as a response of a functional apparatus to the user input. 
     
     
         13 . A system comprising:
 a first apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 ; and   a computer program download system configured to enable download to a second apparatus a computer program stored on a non-transitory computer medium as claimed in  claim 8 .   
     
     
         14 . A system as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the computer program download system comprises a near-field-communication tag.